Method for producing cellulose xanthate



June 13, 1950 M. P. KULP ETAL 2,510,984

METHOD FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE Filed Feb. 7, 1946 l s Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS. MAU/P/(E f? KULP CHARLES D VA/VDE/VBURGI/ DOROTHY C. CHANCL' June 13, 1950 M. P. KULP rm. 2,510,984

METHOD FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE 5 Sheets-Sheet Filed Feb. 7, 1946 83 m/vz/vroRs.

. 82 MAl/R/CE A Az/LP k CHARLES a. vAlvon/au/aa/l DOROTHY c. can/v05 June 13, 1950 M. P. KULP ETAL 2,510,984

METHOD FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE ,0 Filed Feb. 7, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 F wvmrom.

i5: 5 MAUR/CE F! KULP CHARLES 0. VANDENBURGH DOROTHY C. CHANCE By z; 6g

M. P. KULP ETAL June 13, 1950 METHOD FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE 5 Shee ts-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 7, 1946 lNl/ENTORS.

MAUR/CE R KULP CHARLES D. l/A/Vflf/VBURGH DOROTHY 0. 0mm:

W zwhz i atented June 13, 1956 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE METHOD For. PRODUCING onLLULosE XANTHATE corporation of Delaware Application February 7, 1946, Serial No. 646,048

8 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved process for the production of cellulose xanthate, and to novel apparatus which may be used in carrying out the process.

The known, and currently practiced, method of making cellulose xanthate involves dumping alkali cellulose crumbs into a xanthating drum containing liquid carbon disulfide or into which the carbon disulfide is poured after introduction of the crumbs. The mixture is then agitated or churned for a considerable period of time, chemical reaction taking place during the agitating period. The main disadvantage of that process is that chemical reaction between CS2 and the alkali cellulose takes place rapidly at the surface of the crumbs, which then become sticky and viscid and agglomerate into lumps or coherent masses of varying sizes which adhere to the ichurning mechanism and to the inner walls of :-the drum. The agitation is thus greatly impeded, and the carbon disulfide does not peneztrate into the interior of the crumbs, especially 'those of larger size, which thus have a surface of cellulose xanthate encasing a core of unreacted alkali cellulose, and the final product does not consist entirely of cellulose xanthate. It is practically impossible to obtain uniform distribution of the carbon disulfide through all portions of the alkali cellulose crumbs under such conditions. To even partially offset these difficulties, a large excess of carbon disulfide is required, all of which is not used up in the reaction and. some of which is present in the final product when it is re-': moved from the xanthating drum or the like. When the crumbs are dissolved in dilute sodium hydroxide, to produce viscose, in the conventional manner, the excess carbon disulfide carried by the crumbs, but not distributed therethrough, reacts with the caustic to form by-products which must be removed prior to spinning the viscose and which if not removed complicate the filtering step and impair the properties of products obtained by subjecting the viscose to coagulating and regenerating conditions. In addition, such prior art methods are essentially batch processes, rather than continuous processes, and require such a considerable handling of material that they are not at all well suited to large scale commercial use.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved method of producing cellulose xanthate, in which the formation of viscid clumps is avoided during mixing of the alkali cellulose crumbs and carbon-disulfide, and which insures intimate and uniform distribution of the carbon 2 disulfide through all portions of the alkali cellulose. Another object is to provide a method of making cellulose xanthate which does not involve the use of large excesses of carbon disulfide. Yet another object is to provide a method of making a predetermined amount of cellulose xanthate, in a predetermined unit of time. A still further object is to provide a continuous method for making cellulose xanthate, and apparatus in which such a continuous process may be carried out.

Essentially, this invention contemplates the production of an intimate physical mixture of atomized carbon disulfide and alkali cellulose by agitating alkali cellulose crumbs and an amount of atomized carbon disulfide equal to the amount thereof consumed in the chemical reaction for a limited period of time such as to insure uniform distribution of the lisuid through all parts of the solid, without the occurrence of any appreciable chemical reaction, and thereafter maintaining the mixture under conditions such that there is comparatively little if any agitation of the mass or movement of the crumbs relatively to one another for a predetermined period of time which is of such duration that the physically well-intermingled alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide react together chemically to yield a final product which consists substantially entirely of cellulose xanthate and which does not comprise any significant quantity of unreacted alkali cellulose. The carbon disulfide is added to the alkali cellulose crumbs in atomized form, that is, in the form of a fine mist or cloud, to effect thorough distribution thereof through the crumbs during the limited agitation period.

It is thus possible to reduce the quantity of carbon disulfide mixed with the alkali cellulose to substantially that amount required to convert a given quantity of alkali cellulose to cellulose xanthate. It appears that chemical reaction is not initiated during the agitating period, or at any rate that the extent of the chemical reaction, if it is initiated at that point, is insufficient to cause lumping of the particles or prevent thorough penetration of the carbon disulfide through all of the particles.

The process permits of a considerable saving in the overall time required to produce cellulose xanthate and favorably influences the character of the viscose obtainable therefrom by dissolving the xanthate in dilute caustic alkali, and of products obtainable by spinning or casting such viscose into suitable coagulating and regenerating media. 1

The accompanying drawing illustrates apparatus which is suitable for carrying out the process. In the drawing,

Figure 1 is an elevation of one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an elevation of the upper portion of the apparatus of Figure 1 shown partly in section;

Figure 3 is a view taken on line III-411 of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view taken on line IV-IV of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is an elevation of part of a device embodying another modification of the invention;

Figure 6 is a detail of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 5;

Figure 7 is a detail of another portion of the apparatus of Figures 1 and 5;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the electrical connections used in operating the apparatus;

Figure 9 is an elevation of another embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 10 is a view taken on line A--A of Figure 9, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring more particularly to Figures 1 to 4 inclusive, there is shown a tower-like chamber 2 supported in a framework comprising a platform 3 mounted on uprights 4 and 5 reinforced by cross-bars 6 and 1.

Chamber 2 comprises an agitating "zone 8 the bottom of which communicates with the top of a reaction or rest zone 9, and a communicating juncture, shown generally at 10, is provided between the zones. Either the agitating or the rest zone, or both, may be provided with jackets for heating or cooling the contents of the zones, if desired.

Alkali cellulose crumbs are fed into the agitating zone throughv a hopper I1, and carbon disulfide is introduced into the agitating zone, in the form of a fine mist .or cloud, through the nozzles of an atomizer 12.

A shaft 14 projects into the agitating zone and carries a number of blades !5 fixed thereto for mixing the alkali cellulose crumbs and carbon disulfide, shaft i4 being driven by a. motor 16 connected to a suitable source of .power.

The communicating juncture between thetwo zones 8 and 9 (see Figures 1, 2 and 3) comprises an oval-shaped flange l1 and an oval-shaped flange I8, the flanges being bolted together by .bolts 19 with a spacing member. 20 interposed therebetween. Spacing member 20 has an opening 20a corresponding in diameter to the diameters of the agitating and reactionzones and is provided with a longitudinal guideway 21 extending radially outwardly from the opening 20a and lying between a pair of opposed shelves 22 and 23 which have less thickness than the member 20 so that the lowermost one of the circular plates 24. within the magazine 25 ,can rest. upon the shelves and can he slid along the shelves into the opening 2%. The magazine 25 is carried by the projecting portion of flange l1.

The rod 25, extending from a piston slidable in a cylinder 26a mounted on albracket 11a is secured to and is adapted .to move a crescent-shaped shoe 21, the shoulder 28 of which abuts against the edge of the bottom plate in magazine 25. When rod 26 is pushed inwardly along guideway 21, shoe 21 forces the-bottom plate of the stack along-shelves 22 and 23 until the plate is brought into position between zones 8 :and 9 where it is supported by shoes 3| and 32 projecting intosthe opening 20a. The rod 26 is capable of being retracted to again bring shoulder 28 into position back of the next plate in the stack.

The shoes 3| and 32 are carried by reciprocable rods 29 and 30 respectively. Springs 29a and 30a acting upon collars or shoulders fixed to rods 29 and 30 serve to retract the shoes from their plate supporting positions.

The means for supporting the plate 24 at the discharge end of zone 9 (Figure 1) comprises a pair of shoes and 36 carried by a pair of reciprocable rods 33 and 34 extending from pistons slidable in cylinders 33a and 34a. Retraction of rods 33 and 34 releases the plate, which is dis charged from the reaction zone onto a platen 31 adapted to be lowered to the surface of a stationary support 38. The platen is steadied by guide posts 39 which reciprocate vertically in guideways 39a in support 38. Raising or lowering of platen 31 is effected by means of a rod 40 extending froma piston slidable in a cylinder 48a. and secured to the .bottom of the platen. In its upper position, the platen is maintained in position immediately under the discharge end of reaction zone 9. Retraction of rod 40 causes platen 31 to be lowered until it comes to rest on support 38.

Platen 31 carries a detached upstanding ring member 41 on its upper surface, which ring surrounds the plate deposited on the platen from the reaction zone. The ring is provided with a pair of projecting hooks 42. Means are provided for urging the ring 4| across the surface of platen 31, whereby the plate and its load are swept into a chute 43 which may lead to a hopper (not shown). Thus, there is provided a rod 45 secured to a piston slidable in a cylinder 45a. When platen 31 is in its lower position, each hook 42 on ring 4| extends downwardly into the space between two upstanding lugs 46a carried upon the endof the rod 45 so that motion of rod 45 efiects movement of ring 41 through lugs 46a. and hooks 42. Opposed angle irons 41 and 48 provide a guideway for supporting ring 4|, but not plate 24 and its load, when'they are moved to the right as shown in Figure 4, thereby dumping plate 24 and its load down the chute 43. Retraction of rod 45pulls ring 4| backto its original position on platen 31.

During operation'of the apparatus, the reaction zone 9 is normally filled with a plurality of batches from the agitating zone, the batches being thus separated from each other and moving intermittently downwardly through the reaction zone. The plates pile up above platen 31 which isin receiving position at the discharge ,end of the tower with ring 41 surrounding the lower end of the tower. Whenthe chemical reaction between the alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide comprising the batch carried on the lowermost plate is complete .and the plate is ready to be removed from the vicinity ofthe reaction zone, shoes 35 and 36 are inserted under the next to last plate in, the pile, in order to supportall of the plates and batches except the lowermost one, which drops onto the :platen and is withdrawn with the platen to dumping position. After; dumping, the platen is again raised to the receiving position against the lower opening of the tower. Shoes :35 and .36 are again released to permit'allof the batches in the tower to fell upon the platen after which the shoes are again insertedunder the next to last plate. As each plateand batch in the stack is brought, in turn, to the lowermost position .on the. platen, a new ,plate and a fresh batch drops 5. into the upper end of the reaction zone from the agitating zone so that all of the batches and the partitioning plates which both support and separate the batches shift intermittently downwardly through the reaction zone to the discharge end thereof.

Figure is illustrative of another embodiment of the invention. In that embodiment, the apparatus comprises an agitating zone 8 and a reaction zone 9, and a communicating juncture between the two comprising oval-shaped flanges 46 and 41 having a spacing member 48 interposed therebetween, and having an opening corresponding in diameter to the inner diameters of the agitating and reaction zones, and similar to the opening 20a (Figure 3) and a longitudinal guideway extending radially outwardly from the opening and similar to guideway 2| (Figure 3). in cylinder 52 supported on bracket 53 is secured to and adapted to move a circular disk member 54. When rod 5| is pushed inwardly along the guideway, the disk member 54 is brought into position between the agitating and rest zones and serves as a temporary seal therebetween. Rod 5| remains in position to retain disk member 54 in sealing position between the zones, until the alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide have been intimately mixed in the agitating chamber and the physical mixture is ready to be introduced into the rest zone. At that time, rod 5| is retracted so that disk member 54 is withdrawn, which permits the batches to drop downwardly through the reaction zone, the lowermost batch coming to rest upon platen 31 at the discharge end of the reaction zone. Platen 31 is adapted to be lowered to the surface of a stationary support in a manner and by means similar to that described in connection with Figure 1.

Surrounding the reaction zone, at the discharge end thereof, are flanges 56 and 51 having a spacing member .58 interposed therebetween. The spacing member is provided with an opening which corresponds with the inner diameter of the reaction zone, and which is similar to opening 20 (Figure 3) and with a longituclinal guideway extending radially outwardly from the opening. A rod 6| extending from a piston slidable in cylinder 62 is secured to and adapted to move a circular disk member 63, the diameter of which corresponds to the inner diameter of the reaction compartment. When rod BI is pushed inwardly along the guideway, disk member 63 is brought into position under the next to lowermost batch in the reaction zone. The disk member is provided with an upstanding projection 54 which fits into a recess 65 in the interior wall of the reaction compartment so that the disk is held securely in place. The disk member 63, when injected between the lowermost batch resting on the platen at the discharge end of the reaction zone and the remaining batches serves to support all of the batches except the lowermost one in the reaction compartment and to effectively prevent the escape of carbon disulfide gas from the chamber. After injection of the member 63, the platen 31 is lowered to dumping position.

After dumping of the withdrawn batch, the platen is returned to receiving position at the discharge end of the reaction zone. Rod BI is then retracted so that member 63 is withdrawn, and the lowermost batch in the reaction zone falls onto the surface of the platen, causing all A rod 5| extending from a piston slidable of the batches to shift downwardly through the reaction'zone. The sequence of operations is similar to that described in connection with Figures 1 to 4, that is, as each successive batch of cellulose xanthate is withdrawn from one end of the reaction zone, a fresh batch consisting of a physical mixture of alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide is introduced into the other end of the reaction zone, and all of the batches shift intermittently downwardly through the reaction zone.

Referring now to Figure 6, there is shown in detail means for introducing alkali cellulose crumbs into the agitating compartment of the apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 5 while at the same time minimizing leakage of carbon disulfide from the compartment. As shown, there is provided a chamber 66 having a freely rotatable member 61 inserted therein. Member 61 is divided into a series of alternate open and closed sections by a series of spaced radially extending partitions 68. The open and closed sections communicate alternately with the open top of the hopper II and the open bottom of a chute 10.

The angular disposition of the partitions 68 relative to each other is such that the weight of the crumbs introduced from chute 10 is sufficient to effect rotation of the member 61, so as to bring the open-ended sections of the member into register successively with hopper H alternately with closed sections of the member. When an open section of member 61 is in register with the chute 10, a closed section is in register with the hopper H leading to the agitating compartment, and vice-versa, which prevents leakage of any appreciable quantity of carbon disulfide to the chute and to the atmosphere.

Figure 7 illustrates a, device which may be used for accurately measuring the amount of carbon disulfide introduced into the agitating zone. The device is operated as follows: The tank 'H is filled with water, and valve I88 is opened so that liquid carbon disulfide can be run into the tank, displacing the water which escapes, valve H2 being also open. Plunger 14 which projects into a casing 15, and which is carried on the end of a rod extending from a piston slidable in cylinder 16 is then retracted to a predetermined extent by opening valves l'la and 180.. A predetermined quantity of water is drawn into the casing i5 whereupon check valve 19 is closed, so that valves a and 8| a are opened, and the water is forced out into tank H where it displaces an equivalent amount of carbon disulfide which, by opening of valve 32a is thus forced through nozzles 83 of the atomizer l2 into the agitating compartment. The extent of retraction of plunger 74 from casing 75 controls the amount of water drawn into the casing which in turn controls the amount of CS2 sprayed into the agitating compartment. By thus controlling the proportion of carbon disulfide sprayed into the agitating compartment by hydraulic pressure, a very accurate control is maintained, and the introduction of excess carbon disulfide is avoided. Of course, the carbon disulfide may be introduced into the agitating compartment in controlled amounts sufficient to permit intimate physical intermingling with the alkali cellulose by other suitable means, if desired.

The various coacting elements of the apparatus may be operated by any suitable means. Thus they may be manually operated by means of levers or the like. However, as shown herein, the apparatus is electrically operated and set so that the several operations are carried out sequentially and in a predetermined unit oftime.

Figure 8 is illustrative of electrical connections which may be used in operating the apparatus shown in Figure 1. In Figure 8, there is shown a shaft 84 having a number of contact disks mounted thereon. Each disk is of insulating material and its periphery is provided with a metallic insert. The shaft is supported in bearings 85 and 86 and driven by amotor B'I through reduction gearing 88. As shaft 84 rotates, the metallic inserts in the contact disks are brought successively into contact with respective leads or terminals for actuating a plurality of solenoids to close and open switches for establishing and breaking a plurality of electrical circuits in desired sequence.

Referring to Figures 8 and 5, at the start of operations, master switches 89 and 90 are closed, whereupon motor 8'! is started, and shaft 84begins to rotate. The metallic insert BI is brought into contact with lead lines 62, causing solenoids 93 and 94 to open valves 95 and 96, to force rod carrying disk member 54 out of its cylinder 52 to bring member 5% into position at the bottom of zone 8 and between the zones.

Metallic insert $9 contact lead lines I00, so that solenoids i1 and '.'8 open valves Ila and 78a, causing plunger '54 to be retracted a predetermined extent. Insert illi then contacts lead lines I62 causing solenoids 80 and Bi to open valves tile and em, and at the same time insert I33 contacting lead lines I04 actuates solenoid 82 to open valve 820., and CS2 is forced through nozzles 83. Metallic insert I35 contacts lines I35 so that solenoid I98 opens valve ID! to permit the introduction of CS2 to tank 'FI, while insert IE9, contacting lines ua causes solenoid II! to open valve II2 so that water may escape from the tank.

The alkali cellulose crumbs and atomized carbon disulfide are agitated in zone 8 for a predetermined period of time which is sufficient to eiiect intimate physical inter-mingling thereof, but insufiicient to permit chemical reaction therebetween. When the agitator is stopped, insert H3, in contact with lines II4, energizes solenoids H5 and M8 to open valves Ill and H8 so that rod 5! is retracted, and the batch drops into the reaction compartment 9. Metallic insert i contacting lead lines I29 causes solenoids I2I and 522 to open valves I23 and I24 so that rod 6| carrying disk member 63 is pushed out of cylinder G2, and member 63 is brought into position between the batch deposited on the platen and the batch immediately thereabove.

Metallic insert I25, contacting lead lines I26 causes solenoids I2! and I28 to open valves I29 and I36. Valve 529 introduces air under pressure above the piston on rod 48, and valve I33 discharges air, so that rod 40 is retracted and the platen comes to rest on support 38.

Contact of metallic insert I31 with lead lines I32 has the result that solenoids I33 and I34 open valves I35 and I36 to introduce air under pressure at one end of the cylinder 45a, behind the rod, and discharge air from the opposite end to force rod 45 against ring member 4|. The ring is returned to position on the platen, when insert I3'I contacts lead lines I38, causing the solenoids I39 and I40 to open valves MI and I42 so that valve I4I introduces air under pressure 8 at the front of the cylinder and valve I 42 discharges air at the opposite end.

Metallic insert I43, contacting lead lines I44,- causes solenoidsl45 and I45 to open valves I41 and I48, so that platen 31 is forced upwardly into receiving position at the discharge end of reaction compartment 9, whereupon insert I49, contacting lines I50, energizes solenoids I5I and it: to open valves'I53 and I54, so that rod GI is retracted withdrawing disk member 63; The batches shift downwardly through compartment 9 sothat the lowermost batch comes to rest on platen 31.

As shown herein, the lead lines which are contacted by'the metallic inserts controlling operation of solenoids 93 and 94, solenoids H5 and H6; 11, I8, and IBI, I2], I22, I5I and I52; I21, I28, I45 and I46; I33, I34, I39 and I40 are connected with a power line supplied by a single phase alternating current generator operating at 44c volts, while the lead lines which are contacted. by the metallic inserts controlling operation of motor 81, motor I6, and solenoids '82, I8? and 5 IE are connected with a power line supplied by a single phase alternating current operating at 220 volts. It will be obvious, however, that all of the lead lines may be connected with a singlepower line, if desired.

By suitable adaptation of the electrical connections shown in Figure 8, the various coacting elements of the apparatus shown in Figure 5 may also be actuated sequentially. Thus the shaft 84 may be provided with the required number of contact disks having metallic inserts, energizing solenoids which in turn actuate the several elements of the device in sequential order and in a predetermined time interval.

In general, we have found that, for any given amounts of carbon disulfide and alkali cellulose, an agitating, period of about three minutes is sufficient to permit even and thorough penetration of the carbon disulfide through the particulate alkali cellulose while avoidin chemical reaction therebetween, when the carbon disulfide is introduced in controlled quantity and in atomized condition, and the agitator shaft is driven at a speed of about 1700 R. P. M. The cellulose xanthate is produced by reaction between the alkali cellulose in, the solid phase and the carbon disulfide in the gaseous phase. The time required to effect the reaction may vary somewhat but in general a reaction time of about two hours is sufiicient. The heat generated in the reaction may be supplemented by the use of suitable jacketing means, if desired. Preferably, the reaction compartment is provided with a safety valve. After operation of the apparatus has been initiated, a physical mixture of alkali cellulose and atomized carbon disulfide is discharged from he agitating zone every three minutes, and a batch comprising the chemical reaction product, cellulose xanthate, is discharged from the reaction zone every three minutes. Under such conditions, the speed of motor 81 is controlled so that shaft 84 makes one complete revolution every three minutes. Preferably, the reaction zone is of such length that about two hour are required for the batches, or plates supporting the batches, to reach the discharge end thereof, and the batches or plates. carrying the batches shift intermittently downwardly therein as the plates or batches which reach the discharge end are removed. The particles are not subjected to any appreciable disturbance as they, or the plates on 9 which they are supported, shift downwardly through the reaction zone.

Figures 9 and, 10 are illustrative of still another embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 9, the apparatus shown comprises a vertical tower I55, 2. horizontal chamber I56 communicating with the bottom or discharge end of tower I55, and a horizontal chamber I58 communicating with a chute I51 leading from chamber I56. Chambers I56 and 58 constitute a reaction zone. The apparatus may be supported in any suitable manner.

Tower I55 comprises a plurality of feeding compartments or zones I59, I66 and I6I, and an agitating zone I62. Compartments or zones I59, I66 and I6I are temporarily sealed from one another during operation of the device by tiltable plates or disks 161, I68 which are raised and lowered in appropriate sequence as described more fully hereinafter.

After a batch of crumbs has been introduced into the agitating zone I62, solenoid I63, which actuates an air valve controlling movement of a rod I66 attached to a piston slidable in cylinder I65 and secured to and adapted to move an arcuate disk or plate I66, is energized so that rod I64 moves inwardly of the tower out of cylinder I65 to carry plate I66 through arcuate slot I66a into sealing osition between zone I62 and feeding zone I6 I. Solenoid I 63 remains energized until the batch is discharged from the agitating zone, whereupon it is de-energized and rod I64 is spring retracted to permit entry of a fresh batch of crumbs to the agitating zone, after which solenoid I63 is again energized and plate I66 is returned to sealing position. Plates or disks I61, I68 for sealing compartments I59, I66, I M are journaled in bearings IBM and I68a, and are provided with ratchet wheels I69, I16 attached thereto and adapted for engagement by toothed racks I1I, I12 secured to rods I13, I14 attached to pistons slidable in cylinders I15, I16. Movement of rods I13, I14 is controlled by air valves actuated by solenoids I11, I18. Solenoids I11, I16 remain energized to maintain disks I61, I68 in sealing position between the feeding zones, when all of the zones, including the agitating zone are filled with crumbs. After a batch of crumbs has been delivered from zone I6I to zone I 62, and plate I66 is in sealing position, solenoid I16 is de-energized whereupon rod I16 is retracted and rack I12, by counter-clockwise movement of wheel I16, tilts plate 968 to upright position. The crumbs contained in compartment I66 drop into compartment I6I, coming to rest on plate I66. Solenoid I 16 is again energized to return plate I66 to sealing position. Solenoid I11 is then de-energized and rod I13 is retracted so that rack "I by engagement with wheel I69, tilts plate I61 to upright non-sealing position, permitting the crumbs contained in compartment I59 to fall into compartment 566 and come to rest on plate I68. solenoid I11 is again energized to return plate I61 to the sealing position, and fresh crumbs are fed into compartment I59. The crumbs maybe fed into the apparatus by any suitable means such as the means shown in Figure 6. Plates I61, I68 permit continuous feeding of the crumb batches to the several zones of the apparatus, while at the same time minimizing or preventing gas escape from the system. Any gas which does escape from the reaction and agitating zones serves to pretreat the crumbs advancing through the feeding compartments I59 and I66 to the agitating zone.

After each batch of crumbs has been delivered to the agitating zone, and the zone is sealed by arcuate plates I66 and I19, carbon disulfide is introduced into the zone in measured amount through the atomizing nozzles in chamber I62 fed by pipe I86.

The amount of carbon disulfide sprayed into the agitating zone in the form of a fine mist or cloud may be controlled, for instance, by means such as shown in Figure 7. The crumbs and atomized CS2 are agitated for a predetermined period by blades I6I carried on a. horizontal shaft I82 which projects into the agitating zone and is driven by a solenoid-controlled motor (not shown). When an intimate physical mixture of the alkali cellulose crumbs and carbon disulfide has been obtained, and before chemical reaction therebetween has been initiated or has progressed to any appreciable extent, solenoid I83, which actuates an air-valve controlling movement of rod I84 attached to a piston slidable in cylinder I85 and secured to and adapted to move the arcuate plate or disk I19 through arcuate slot I19a is de-energized so that rod I84 is retracted and plate I19 is withdrawn from sealing position at the bottom of agitating zone I62, and the intimate physical mixture of alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide drops onto cylinder I86 disposed in chamber I56. Cylinder I86 is adapted for sliding movement against the inner wall of chamber I 56 and is secured to and moved by a rod I81 attached to a piston slidable in a hydraulic cylinder I88.

Solenoid I93 is then energized, valve I96 being turned to permit water under pressure to run in from tank I92 in front of rod I 81, so that cylinder I86 is retracted a short distance in chamber I56 and the load of crumbs is pushed off and lies in front of the cylinder. Solenoid I93 is then deenergized and solenoid I89 is energized, whereupon valve I96 is turned to permit water under pressure to run in from tank I9I behind the rod, water in front of the rod running back to tank I92. Cylinder I 86 is thus moved inwardly of chamber I56, and the mass is urged along the length of the chamber wherein the chemical reaction proceeds, to chute I51 with little or no movement of the saturated crumbs relatively to one another. Solenoid I89 is then de-energized and cylinder I86 is returned to its original position in chamber I56.

A conduit I58a is provided so that excess gas escaping to chamber I58 is returned as such to chamber I 58.

The mass dropping through chute I 51 comes to rest on the outer peripheral wall of a cylinder I93a adapted for sliding movement against the inner wall of chamber I58 and which is secured to and moved by a rod I 94, in turn secured to a piston slidable in a hydraulic cylinder I 95. Solenoid I96a is then energized and valve I91 is turned to permit water under pressure to run in from tank I99, so that cylinder I931], is retracted, the mass being pushed off the cylinder so that it lies in front of the cylinder which, when solenoid I960 is de-energized and solenoid I96 is energized, valve I 91 being turned to permit water under pressure to run in from tank I98 behind rod I94, and return of the water from in front of the rod to tank I99, is pushed inwardly of chamber I58 to urge the mass along the length of the chamber until it is picked up by a worm conveyor 266 carried by a horizontal shaft 26I which projects into chamber I 56 and is driven by a solenoidcontrolled motor (not shown). Conveyor 266 advances the mass to a chute 282 which is temporarily sealed by a plate or disk 203 secured to rod 2M attached to a piston slidable in cylinder 2B5. Movement of rod 204 is controlled by an air valve actuated by solenoid 206, the solenoid being de-energized at appropriate intervals so that rod 204 is retracted to withdraw disk 2G3 from sealing position to permit the batches of cellulose xanthate to drop into a collecting device 201. After a batch of cellulose xanthate is delivered to the worm conveyor, solenoid ISBa, is again energized and cylinder |93a is returned to its original position. Cylinders I86 and 193a not only serve to receive the batches but also comprise effective means for sealing the apparatus against gas escape or leakage, the length of cylinders I86 and [93a being such that a portion of the periphery thereof is always in receiving position with respect to the discharge end of the agitating and first reaction compartments, respectively.

The solenoids for actuating the valves controlling movement of the various rods of the apparatus shown in Figures 9 and 10 may be energized in the desired sequence through lead lines connected with any suitable timing device such as that shown in Figure 8 appropriately modified to give the sequence herein outlined.

In all of the embodiments illustrated, the crumb batches are fed into the agitating zone, agitated, discharged to the reaction zone and withdrawn from that zone in sequence and at predetermined time intervals such that the crumbs remain in the agitating zone for a time the duration of which is so limited that physical admixture of the crumbs and CS2 is effected and chemical reaction is not initiated, or if initiated, does not proceed beyond the initial stage while the crumbs are subjected to agitation. This has the advantage that the CS2 is uniformly distributed throughout the mass of alkali cellulose crumbs without having to depend upon absorption only, which latter does not result in uniform impregnation of the alkali cellulose or a completely and uniformly xanthated-cellulose. Further, the agitator is not impeded by deposition thereon of viscous clumps comprising partially reacted materials, which makes for greater efficiency.

The cellulose xanthate obtained as final prodnet is of superior quality and consists of a ballless, flufiy mass of mealy consistency which dissolves very rapidly in sodium hydroxide, water, or a mixture of the two. It may be converted to viscose by reaction with proportionate amounts of dilute sodium hydroxide. The viscose obtained from cellulose xanthate made in accordance with the invention is practically fiberless, and more readilyfiltered than conventional viscoses, and is characterized by improved spinnability. The absence of excess carbon disulfide in the xanthate produced as described herein minimizes the possibility of by-products being formed due to reaction between carbon disulfide and the sodium hydroxide solvent for the xanthate, so that the artificial fibers and other productsobtained by coagulation of the viscose and regeneration of the cellulose are of exceptionally fine quality.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in terms of certain specific embodiments, it will be obvious that many modifications may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A process for producing cellulose xanthate directly in the form of a ball-less, fiufiy mass of mealy consistency Which comprises agitating a mass of particulate alkali cellulose with carbon disulfide until an intimate physical mixture of the two is obtained, the amount of carbon disulfide and duration of the agitating being such that the physical mixture remains in essentially crumb condition, terminating the agitation, and then allowing the chemical reaction to proceed to completion without agitating the mass.

2. A process for producing cellulose xanthate directly in the form of a ball-less, fiully mass of mealy consistency which comprises agitating a mass of particulate alkali cellulose with an amount of carbon disulfide which is substantially the amount consumed in the chemical reaction resulting in cellulose xanthate, terminating the agitation when an intimate physical mixture of the particles and carbon disulfide is obtained, the physical mixture being in essentially crumb condition, and then allowing the chemical reaction to proceed to completion without agitating the mass.

3. A process for producing cellulose xanthate directly in the form of a ball-less, fluffy mass of mealy consistency comprising introducing alkali cellulose particles and atomized carbon disulfide into an agitating zone, agitating the mass for a predetermined unit of time of the order of about three minutes to obtain an intimate physical mixture of alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide, the amount of carbon disulfide and duration of agitating being such that the physical mixture remains in essentially crumb condition, terminating the agitation when the physical mixture has been obtained, and then allowing the chemical reaction to proceed to completion without agitating the mass.

4. A process for producing cellulose xanthate directly in the form of a ball-less, fluify mass of mealy consistency comprising agitating successive loose masses of particulate alkali cellulose with atomized carbon disulfide until an intimate physical mixture of the alkali cellulose particles and carbon disulfide is obtained, the amount of carbon disulfide and duration of agitating being such that the physical mixture remains in essentially crumb condition, to produce a plurality of batches each comprising the physical mixture, in essentially crumb condition and passing the batches successively through a reaction zone without agitating the batches.

5. A process for producing cellulose xanthate directly in the form of a ball-less, fluffy mass of mealy consistency comprising intermittently introducing loose masses of particulate alkali cellulose and atomized carbon disulfide into an agitating zone, agitating the materials until an intimate physical mixture of the alkali cellulose particles and carbon. disulfide is obtained, the amount of carbon disulfide and duration of agitating being such that the physical mixture remains in essentially crumb condition, intermittently introducing the masses comprising the physical mixture in essentially crumb condition into a reaction zone, intermittently moving the masses through the reaction zone without agitating the masses, and intermittently withdrawing the masses from the reaction zone.

6. A process for producing cellulose xanthate directly in the form of a ball-less, fiuffy mass of mealy consistency which comprises agitating successive loose masses of particulate alkali cellulose with carbon disulfide until an intimate physical mixture of the particles and carbon disulfide is obtained, to produce a plurality of batches each comprising the physical mixture, the amount of carbon disulfide and duration of agitating being Such that the physical mixture remains in essentially crumb condition, passing the batches through a reaction zone in which cellulose xanthate is produced by chemical reaction without agitating the batches, intermittently withdrawing one batch from one end of the reaction zone, and introducing another batch in essentially crumb condition at the other end of the reaction zone.

7. A process for producing cellulose xanthate directly in the form of a ball-less, flufiy mass of mealy consistency which comprises agitating successive loose masses of particulate alkali cellulose with carbon disulfide until an intimate physical mixture of the particles and carbon disulfide is obtained, to produce a plurality of batches each comprising the physical mixture, the amount of carbon disulfide and duration of agitating each batch being such that the physical mixture comprising each batch remains in essentially crumb condition, passing the batches through a vertically disposed reaction zone in which cellulose xanthate is produced by chemical reaction without agitating the batches and intermittently withdrawing one of the batches from the discharge end of the reaction zone to cause all of the remaining batches to shift downwardly in the zone.

8. A process for producing cellulose xanthate directly in the form of a ball-less, flufiy mass of mealy consistency which comprises successively advancing loose masses of particulate alkali cellulose to an agitating chamber, agitating each such mass with carbon disulfide to produce successive batches each comprising an intimate physical mixture of the alkali cellulose particles and carbon disulfide, the amount of carbon disulfide mixed with each successive mass of particulate alkali cellulose and the duration ofagitating being such that the physical mixture remains in essentially crumb condition, passing the batches successively through a reaction chamber in which the cellulos xanthate is produced by chemical reaction between the alkali cellulose and carbon disulfide in the gaseous phase, without agitating the batches, intermittently Withdrawing one batch from one end of the reaction chamber and introducing another batch comprising the physical mixture in essentially crumb condition at the other end of the reaction chamber, the loose masses of particulate alkali cellulose being advanced to the agitating chamber under conditions of pretreatment thereof with carbon disulfide gas escaping from the reaction and agitating chambers.

MAURICE P. KU'LP.

CHARLES D. VANDENBURGH.

DOROTHY C. CHANCE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 657,849 Aykroyd et a1 Sept. 11, 1900 713,936 Ashwell Nov. 13, 1902 1,156,800 Miller Oct. 12, 1915 1,548,537 MacDonald July 6, 1916 1,689,958 Moro (Jet. 30, 1928 2,076,595 Richter Apr. 13, 1937 2,122,519 Dokkum July 5, 1938 2,126,044 Rolleston Aug. 9, 1938 2,364,392 Schmitz Dec. 5, 1944 OTHER REFERENCES Ott, Cellulose and Cellulose Derivatives, Interscience Publishers, Inc., New York, N. Y., 1943, pages 821, 822. 

1. A PROCESS FOR PRODUCING CELLULOSE XANTHATE DIRECTLY IN THE FORM OF A BALL-LESS, FLUFFY MASS OF MEALY CONSISTENCY WHICH COMPRISES AGITATING A MASS OF PARTICULATE ALKALI CELLULOSE WITH CARBON DISULFIDE UNTIL AN INTIMATE PHYSICAL MIXTURE OF THE TWO IS OBTAINED, THE AMOUNT OF CARBON DISUFIDE AND DURATION OF THE AGITATING BEING SUCH THAT THE PHYSICAL MIXTURE REMAINS IN ESSENTIALLY CRUMB CONDITION, TERMINATING THE AGITATION, AND THEN ALLOWING THE CHEMICAL REACTION TO PROCEED TO COMPLETION WITHOUT AGITATING THE MASS. 